The Amarillo 5

Amarillo TX Local News Breaking news WILDFIRES NOW CONTAINED: The wildfires that have been burning across the Texas Panhandle are now contained, bringing relief to residents after days of battling blazes amid high winds [3] . This is a significant development from earlier this week when multiple fires were actively burning across the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles [2] . TEEN IMPAIRED IN DEADLY CRASH: Amarillo Police report that a 17-year-old showed signs of alcohol impairment in the deadly crash ...

Show Notes

Amarillo TX Local News

Breaking news

WILDFIRES NOW CONTAINED: The wildfires that have been burning across the Texas Panhandle are now contained, bringing relief to residents after days of battling blazes amid high winds [3]. This is a significant development from earlier this week when multiple fires were actively burning across the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles [2].

TEEN IMPAIRED IN DEADLY CRASH: Amarillo Police report that a 17-year-old showed signs of alcohol impairment in the deadly crash that occurred at N. Fillmore and Amarillo Boulevard on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, which left one person dead [2]. The crash scene was located in north Amarillo [2].

POTTER COUNTY BUDGET CRISIS: A clerical error involving a tax exemption for Tyson Foods has left Potter County facing a projected $412,000 deficit in the county's budget [5]. This significant revenue shortfall will require county officials to address the budget gap.

XCEL POWER RESTORED: Xcel Energy has restored power to 11,700 customers after a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) and other outages affected the area during the high wind events [2].

Weather

Current conditions show temperatures at 32°F, with a significant warm-up expected: Tuesday reaching 80°F and Wednesday at 77°F [2]. The dramatic temperature swing follows the containment of wildfires that had been burning across the Panhandle region [3]. Residents should remain aware that while fires are contained, the area experienced dangerous fire conditions due to high winds earlier in the week [2].

Events

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS 75TH ANNIVERSARY: The League of Women Voters of Amarillo is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. Founded in 1951, the organization continues its mission to empower voters and defend democracy in the Amarillo community [4]. This milestone represents three-quarters of a century of civic engagement in the Texas Panhandle.

local business

BBQ BRISKET PRICES RISING: Amarillo residents may see an increase in prices for their next BBQ brisket plate [1]. Local BBQ establishments are adjusting prices, which could impact dining costs for the popular Texas staple.

TYSON FOODS TAX EXEMPTION ERROR: A clerical error tied to a Tyson Foods tax exemption has created a significant financial impact on Potter County, resulting in a $412,000 revenue shortfall [5]. The county will need to address this budget deficit, which may affect county services and operations.

school

WTAMU FRATERNITY CHARGES: Eight West Texas A&M University fraternity brothers are facing felony charges following a midnight "flag raid" incident [3]. The charges represent serious legal consequences for the students involved.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS: High school basketball playoffs are in full swing with Boys Basketball Bi-District Round Matchups for classifications 1A-5A and Girls Basketball Regional Semifinals taking place [3]. Local teams are competing for advancement in their respective playoff brackets.

The Roundup

CHILD DEFENDS MOM IN ATTACK: A child stabbed a man who was beating the child's mother, according to police reports [3]. The incident highlights a case of a minor taking extreme action to protect a parent during a domestic violence situation.

MISSING MOM FOUND AFTER 24 YEARS: Michelle Hundley Smith, 62, a North Carolina mother of three who vanished 24 years ago while going Christmas shopping on December 31, 2001, has been found "alive and well" by authorities [3]. Detectives received new information about her disappearance, leading to contact with Smith at an undisclosed location in North Carolina [3]. At her request, her current whereabouts will remain undisclosed, though her family has been notified of her discovery [3].

References

  1. https://www.myhighplains.com/news/you-could-be-seeing-an-increase-in-your-next-brisket-plate/
  2. https://abc7amarillo.com/news/local/7-on-abc-7-the-7-biggest-stories-from-last-week-you-might-have-missed-02-22-2026-wildfires-texas-panhandle-oklahoma-panhandle-ranger-road-fire-winter-fires-lavender-potter-county-marisa-montoya-climate-crisis-wildfires-burning-in-winter-high-windsbones
  3. https://www.newschannel10.com/2026/02/23/mom-3-who-vanished-24-years-ago-while-christmas-shopping-found-alive-well-authorities-say/
  4. https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/heart-of-the-high-plains-league-of-women-voters-of-amarillo/
  5. https://www.myhighplains.com/news/your-local-election-hq/clerical-error-tied-to-tyson-exemption-leaves-potter-county-facing-412k-revenue-shortfall/

What is The Amarillo 5?

The Amarillo 5 is the premiere local news podcast for Amarillo TX. Get all your local daily news in 5 minutes or less. We cover daily weather, local events, crime reporting, local politics, local business and more. Look for a new episode at 5:00 am every morning.